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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

CHEF, EXECUTIVE SOUS I

Lexington, KY · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams * Supervises co-workers to ensure the cleanliness, organization, and overall sanitation of the kitchen * Motivates ...

Compass Group

CHEF, EXECUTIVE SOUS I

Lexington, KY · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams * Supervises co-workers to ensure the cleanliness, organization, and overall sanitation of the kitchen * Motivates ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY

$43K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY

$43K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Holly Hill Inn

Sous Chef, Holly Hill Inn

Lexington, KY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Creative and professional, willing to participate in creating daily specials, seasonal menus and special menus and guaranteeing a quality output from the kitchen and culinary team. Duties include ...

HHS LLC

Chef Manager

Winchester, KY · On-site

All salaried managers are expected to work 50 to 55 hours per week. (United States of America) We're looking for a friendly, compassionate, leader to join our culinary team! Support the healing ...

Hhs

Chef Manager

Winchester, KY

All salaried managers are expected to work 50 to 55 hours per week. (United States of America) We're looking for a friendly, compassionate, leader to join our culinary team! Support the healing ...

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All JobsCulinary Instructor JobsCulinary Instructor Jobs in Lexington, KY

Culinary Instructor information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$19.7K

$53.9K

$92.6K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Lexington, KY is $53,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,300.00 and $57,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a culinary instructor do?

A Culinary Instructor teaches students about cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen equipment, and various cuisines. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate recipes, and oversee hands-on practice to help students build practical culinary skills. Culinary Instructors may work in culinary schools, community colleges, or private cooking classes, and they often assess students' progress through exams or practical evaluations. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in the culinary industry or to improve their cooking abilities for personal use.

What is the difference between Culinary Instructor vs Pastry Chef?

AspectCulinary InstructorPastry Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesPastry arts certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, culinary schoolsRestaurants, bakeries, hotels
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, culinary schoolsFood service industry, hospitality
Primary FocusTeaching cooking techniques and recipesCreating and preparing baked goods and desserts

While both Culinary Instructors and Pastry Chefs have culinary expertise and certifications, Culinary Instructors focus on teaching cooking skills in educational settings, whereas Pastry Chefs specialize in baking and pastry creation in commercial kitchens. Their work environments and primary responsibilities differ, but both roles require strong culinary knowledge and passion for food.

What are some common challenges culinary instructors face when teaching diverse groups of students?

Culinary Instructors often teach students with varying skill levels, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone keeps pace and feels included. Balancing hands-on instruction with classroom theory, maintaining kitchen safety, and managing time effectively during practical sessions are frequent hurdles. Additionally, adapting teaching methods to engage both beginners and advanced students requires flexibility and creativity. Successful instructors foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment while maintaining high standards and encouraging teamwork.

What is a culinary instructor?

As a culinary instructor, also called a chef instructor, you often teach in culinary arts programs where students train to work in professional kitchens. Your job duties as a culinary educator include preparing lesson plans and demonstrating cooking techniques. You supervise students as they practice their new skills and provide feedback on their execution. As a culinary instructor, you may teach general skills courses or specialized classes like butchery, sauces, or classes on regional cuisines. As students advance, you help cultivate professionalism in your students and help them prepare to work in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Instructor, you need advanced culinary expertise, teaching experience, and often a degree or certification from a culinary school. Familiarity with industry-standard kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality instruction, safe kitchen practices, and effective student engagement, which are crucial for student success and program reputation.
More about Culinary Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Instructor jobs in Lexington, KY? The most popular types of Culinary Instructor jobs in Lexington, KY are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Instructor jobs in Lexington, KY? For Culinary Instructor jobs in Lexington, KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Instructor jobs in Lexington, KY look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in Lexington, KY are:
What cities near Lexington, KY are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs? Cities near Lexington, KY with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:
Culinary Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Lexington, KY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,654 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

SOUS CHEF I - UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY - LEXINGTON,

Compass Group

Lexington, KY • On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 483 rated business services

Job description

A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you've been hungry and away from home, chances are you've tasted Compass Group's delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
Job Summary
As a Sous Chef I, you are responsible for assisting with the overall success of the food program and overseeing culinary functions. The position entails assisting in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation. This includes adhering to the client's culture and guidelines, the Health Department's regulations, and the company's standards and expectations of food quality, freshness and presentation. The Sous Chef I also motivates, trains, develops, and directs the back of house associates preparing and cooking foods to accomplish the objectives of the operation to the satisfaction of the customers, clients, and management.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assists in coordinating and participating in the preparation and cooking of various food items.
  • Assists with planning and creating menus.
  • Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary team.
  • Assists with managing cost controls and controlling expenditure.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • 5 years of related culinary experience.
  • Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations.
  • Knowledge of food and industry trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, safety, food cost controls, and presentation.
  • Ability to set up and distribute production sheets.
  • Supervisory, leadership, training, management, and coaching skills.
  • ServSafe or Department of Health Certification is preferred.
  • Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products including Excel.
  • Associate's degree in Culinary Arts is preferred.

Apply to Compass Group today!
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1539503
Compass Corporate
CINDY SCHOENFELD
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